Some of the biggest names from film and television are returning to the North East later this year.
The Tees Valley International Film Festival is set to return the ARC in Stockton-on-Tees.
In October last year, Teesside favourite actors Mark Benton and Bill Fellows, were joined on stage by TV actor Tim Healy for a memorable sell-out evening hosted by BBC Radio Tees presenter Paul ‘Goffy’ Gough.
Organisers have now announced that the four-day festival will return from October 25 to 28.
The festival is the brainchild of Darlington-based businessman Michael Luke and he is thrilled that the high profile event is returning to Teesside.
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He said: “There was never any question of it not returning – in fact following the huge success of last year’s inaugural festival, I immediately booked the venue for the following year.
“The feedback following the inaugural event was nothing short of remarkable. People like Mark Benton, Bill Fellows and Tim Healy sent me messages and made calls saying that they were proud to be part of such a very special four days.
“When you launch such a festival you always have a little apprehension but the support from everyone along the journey last year was fantastic. Mark, Bill, Tim and Goffy have all vowed to make 2023 even more memorable.
“I am currently in discussions with some very well-known names to make it even more unique and special. Full details of the programme will be announced in the coming weeks – but you can expect some surprises. The phone never stopped for many weeks after last year’s festival, and it was a joy to bring it to our region.
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“The Tees Valley International Film Festival is a four-day celebration of all aspects of the craft of filmmaking. We invite undiscovered and independent filmmakers from all over the world to submit their short films for inclusion in the festival, the best of which will be screened across the course of the four days.
“From there, a select few will be nominated for an award, the worthy winners being presented with their prize at our glittering closing ceremony.
“Based in the renowned ARC Stockton Arts Centre, the Tees Valley International Film Festival also comprises gala screenings of major feature films that include live audience Q&As with well-known actors and directors.
“We’re also hosting a number of workshops and seminars, led by top industry professionals, all designed to help achieve our goal of kick-starting a new generation of creative, of all ages and backgrounds, within the Tees Valley and putting the region on the map as a national leader in creative media.
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“From the outset we wanted the festival to be different from any other in the world. We aimed to build a film festival for the people, designed around fun and entertainment but with a major emphasis on learning.
"People from our area have been in touch to say how they were inspired by last year and others saying they have made significant progress re their personal film goals. It really doesn’t get much better than that and the aim is for many more results like these,” said Michael.
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Key features of the festival include:
VIP Red Carpet Event: A VIP red carpet event for award nominees.
Smart Phone Films: There’s a ‘Films Made on a Smart Phone’ award category for those who have the desire to make a film but not the means.
Celebrity Awards Ceremony: A glittering awards ceremony, where on-stage celebrities from the world of film and TV share stories and present winners with their awards.
Tees Valley's Got Talent: A monologue contest to showcase and reward acting talent.
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